Sierra Leone’s National U-20 team, the Shooting Stars, is gearing up for an international friendly tournament in Monrovia, Liberia, scheduled from February 18th to 25th. This tournament, comprising teams from Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Tanzania, serves as a platform for young, local-based players to showcase their talent and prepare for future international competitions.
The team has undergone rigorous training at the newly constructed artificial turf at the SLFA Academy in Kingtom to hone their skills and prepare for the upcoming matches. The tournament in Monrovia presents a valuable opportunity for the players to gain experience and readiness for future events like the WAFU Tournament and U-20 AFCON Qualifiers. It also allows the coaching staff to evaluate the players and make necessary adjustments before official competitions.
The Acting General Secretary of SLFA, Mohamed Benson Bawoh, has expressed optimism about the team’s preparation and praised the players’ commitment to representing their country. He also highlighted the positive changes at the SLFA Academy that have contributed to the development of young talents.
Head Coach Mohamed Lamin Kamara emphasized that the selection process for the team was merit-based, taking into account players’ performances in the national league and the quality of the playing surface. He has high expectations for the team’s performance and believes they have the potential to excel in the upcoming tournaments.
Players such as Mohammed Fofana and Edward Bello Yillah have expressed excitement about their call-up to the team and are eager to contribute to its success. Additionally, three players from Bhantal FC – Ernest Koroma, Mohamed Bangura, and Issa S. Kargbo – have joined the Shooting Stars U-20 squad, showcasing their talent and dedication. Their inclusion reflects their hard work and commitment to the sport, marking a significant milestone in their football careers.
As they embark on this exciting opportunity, Ernest, Mohamed, and Issa carry the hopes and aspirations of Bhantal FC with them. Their participation in the U-20 squad highlights the quality of players nurtured by Bhantal FC, and their success is celebrated by the management, coaching staff, and fellow players of the club.
Overall, the Shooting Stars U-20 team is poised for success in the upcoming friendly tournament in Monrovia, with a talented roster and dedicated coaching staff guiding them towards their goals.
